Goal in Altoona: Clear residential roads by 8 a.m.

The goal in Altoona is to gain access to residential roads and smaller neighborhoods by 8 a.m. so people can get to work.
The feat is easier said than done with high winds blowing the near 1-foot of accumulation all around, said Public Works Superintendent Aaron Putnam, who commuted to Altoona from Des Moines early Wednesday morning.
“It’s snowing and blowing,” Putnam said of the scene, noting he saw several semi trailer trucks and passenger vehicles in the ditches and median along Highway Interstate 80. He described the road conditions as “open, but rough.”
With an excess of open fields and farm land east of Des Moines, Putnam said the storm seems to be worse once you arrive at the “mix master” intersection of Interstates 80 and 35 and head east.
“The wind really picks up with the open farm fields,” Putnam said.
The Public Works supervisor said he is thankful no fallen trees or major debris over roadways has been reported, despite a wet and heavy snow that continues to accumulate.
Snow plows have been on the streets in the city since 2 a.m. and plan to continue at least through the afternoon.